BOBST Reports Lower First-Half 2026 Sales and Loss as Packaging Equipment Demand Weakens

BOBST Group reported lower sales and a wider loss for the first half of 2026 as reduced equipment demand, adverse foreign exchange movements and continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty weighed on performance. The company said it expects a stronger second half of the year but cautioned that market uncertainties could continue to affect customer investment decisions.

For the six months ended 30 June 2026, consolidated sales declined 11.6% year on year to CHF 589.9 million from CHF 667.4 million. Operating result (EBIT) fell to a loss of CHF 25.0 million compared with a profit of CHF 5.4 million in the same period of 2025, while the net result widened to a loss of CHF 32.5 million from a loss of CHF 3.3 million a year earlier. The company attributed the decline primarily to lower equipment sales, reduced volumes and adverse foreign exchange effects, which were only partly offset by lower fixed costs.

Order intake declined 11% compared with the end of 2025, while the order backlog increased 11% from year-end but remained 13% below the level recorded a year earlier. BOBST said customers across the packaging industry continue to delay capital expenditure because of geopolitical tensions, evolving US trade policies, inflationary pressures and weak industrial growth, extending investment decision cycles.

The Printing & Converting business unit recorded first-half sales of CHF 261.8 million, down 21.2% from the prior year, while Services & Performance generated CHF 328.1 million, a decline of 2.1%. Flexible packaging remained the most resilient market segment, whereas folding carton and corrugated board continued to face weak demand, margin pressure and industry overcapacity.

Net debt stood at CHF 241.6 million at the end of June 2026, compared with CHF 154.0 million at the end of 2025. The increase reflected cash outflows related to the repayment of a CHF 200 million bond in February 2026, dividend payments and lower operating cash flow resulting from weaker sales volumes.

Looking ahead, BOBST said Business Unit Services & Performance is expected to remain resilient despite continued foreign exchange headwinds. Based on current market conditions and exchange rates, the company expects full-year 2026 sales and results to be lower than those achieved in 2025.